Led by Doug Ford, Ontario's Progressive Conservatives have secured a majority government, CBC News projects, ending nearly 15 years of Liberal power in the province.

Buoyed by Ford — a one-term Toronto city councillor and businessman — the PCs ran a populist campaign, promising a tax cut for the middle class and corporations and a drastic reduction in the price of hydro and gasoline.

Ford won his seat in Etobicoke North, the symbolic heartland of 'Ford Nation.' While results are still pouring in, the PCs have significant gains in the 905 region and the GTA, areas that are critical to the political landscape in Ontario.

As was expected, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath held onto her seat in Hamilton Centre, where she has served as an MPP since 2004. Heading into election day, polls suggested that the NDP had a slim chance of eking out a win, but now it appears they will form the opposition.

In a first for Ontario, Green party leader Mike Schreiner has won a seat in Guelph.

Several Liberal cabinet ministers have lost their seats, including Yasir Naqvi and Glenn Thibeault.

Last weekend, Wynne took the extraordinary step of admitting publicly that she would not be Ontario's premier after the vote. Conceding defeat, she encouraged voters to elect Liberals to ensure the next government is kept "in check."

The PCs' election victory comes after a memorable and at-times vicious campaign that proved difficult for Ford and some of his candidates. What began as a commanding lead in public opinion polls steadily narrowed over the month-long campaign.

Ford, unaccustomed to the scrutiny that a provincial campaign draws, faced down multiple controversies and alleged scandals.

Three days before the election, the widow of his late brother, former Toronto mayor Rob Ford, sued the Tory leader. The suit claims Ford withheld money from her and her two children, and that Ford's Toronto- and Chicago-based businesses are bleeding money.

He was also the only party leader not to release a fully costed platform during the campaign.